What is the import duty on hard dates (chhohara or kharek) from the UAE to India?

The standard MFN basic customs duty is 20%; under India–UAE CEPA the preferential rate is 0%. SWS adds 10% on the basic duty and 5% IGST applies on the CIF + BCD + SWS base.

How much can CEPA save on hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?

On a CIF value of ₹10,00,000, total duty falls from ₹2,81,000 (MFN) to ₹50,000 (CEPA) — about ₹2,31,000 saved per shipment, scaling with consignment value.

What do I need to claim the CEPA rate on hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?

A valid preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) proving UAE origin under the Rules of Origin. Without it, customs charges the 20% MFN rate.

Import duty on Hard dates (chhohara or kharek) (HS 08041030) from the UAE to India

HS 08041030 · UAE to India · DATES

Data last updated: 1 September 2026 · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). CEPA preferential rate per the India–UAE CEPA schedule. Verify your exact HS line before filing.

Duty breakdown on a ₹10,00,000 shipment

Your shipment value (assessable / CIF, ₹)

Enter your own value to recalculate the table below.

Component	Standard (MFN)	CEPA
Basic customs duty	₹2,00,000	₹0
Social Welfare Surcharge	₹20,000	₹0
IGST	₹61,000	₹50,000
Total duty	₹2,81,000	₹50,000

CEPA duty saving on this example: ₹2,31,000 . Run your own numbers in the import-duty estimator. New to BCD, SWS and IGST? See the glossary.

What drives the rate

Importing hard dates (chhohara or kharek) (HS 08041030) from the UAE to India attracts a 20% MFN basic customs duty, and the India–UAE CEPA preferential rate is 0%. Hard dates, sold in India as chhohara or kharek, are dried to a firm texture and used in confectionery and religious offerings. The MFN duty is 20% — lower than the 30% on fresh dates — and CEPA takes it to zero, with 5% IGST. Dates are the one Chapter 8 line where the wholly obtained rule is routinely satisfied on genuine UAE origin: the emirates are a major date producer, not just a re-export hub. Ask for the farm or packhouse reference on the certificate of origin. FSSAI clearance and a DPPQS phytosanitary certificate apply to every consignment. IGST of 5% is creditable, so the durable benefit is the basic-duty saving. Confirm the live rate on ICEGATE before filing.

Import compliance & clearances

Beyond duty, importing hard dates (chhohara or kharek) (HS 08041030) into India requires the following regulatory clearances. The CEPA preferential rate does not waive any of these — they apply regardless of origin.

DGFT Valid IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) required; ITC(HS) import policy: Free source ↗
FSSAI Importer must hold a valid FSSAI licence; every consignment is cleared through FSSAI food-import at the port source ↗
Plant Quarantine (DPPQS) Import permit and phytosanitary certificate under the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003 source ↗

Indicative and non-exhaustive — verify the current DGFT / BIS / FSSAI / CDSCO notification for your exact 8-digit HS line before importing. Not customs or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on hard dates (chhohara or kharek) from the UAE to India?: The standard MFN basic customs duty is 20%; under India–UAE CEPA the preferential rate is 0%. SWS adds 10% on the basic duty and 5% IGST applies on the CIF + BCD + SWS base.
How much can CEPA save on hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?: On a CIF value of ₹10,00,000, total duty falls from ₹2,81,000 (MFN) to ₹50,000 (CEPA) — about ₹2,31,000 saved per shipment, scaling with consignment value.
What do I need to claim the CEPA rate on hard dates (chhohara or kharek)?: A valid preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) proving UAE origin under the Rules of Origin. Without it, customs charges the 20% MFN rate.